A Yorkshire flower farmer has launched a pioneering online platform called The Farewell Flowers Directory, aimed at reducing single-use plastic foam in funeral floristry. The directory connects individuals with florists across the UK who offer natural, compostable floral arrangements for funerals.
Gill, the founder, expressed her motivation for creating the directory, stating her concern about the excessive plastic usage in funeral flowers, particularly those made with floral foam. She emphasized the importance of funeral flowers reflecting the unique life of the deceased and bringing solace to grieving families.
The Farewell Flowers Directory seeks to address the environmental impact of plastic waste in funeral floristry by promoting compostable alternatives to floral foam. Florists listed in the directory commit to offering fully compostable funeral flowers, incorporating British-grown materials into their designs, and being transparent about the sourcing of their materials.
Plastic floral foam poses a significant environmental challenge, with over 14,670m3 of it being sent to landfill from crematoriums across the UK annually. Unlike plastic foam, compostable alternatives break down naturally and do not contribute to microplastic pollution in soil and water.
Gill, known for founding Flowers From The Farm Ltd and providing flowers for prestigious events, highlights the need for a more sustainable approach to floral design. She shared her regret that her father’s farewell flowers were not eco-friendly and envisioned how they could have been replaced with natural arrangements reflecting his life as a farmer and sportsman.
The Institute of Crematorium and Cemetery Management supports The Farewell Flowers Directory initiative, acknowledging the importance of environmentally friendly floral tributes. They encourage individuals to consider the environmental impact of their choices and endorse the directory as a means of selecting meaningful floral displays while reducing plastic waste.
The Farewell Flowers Directory represents a positive step towards environmentally conscious funeral practices, offering individuals the opportunity to honor their loved ones with sustainable floral arrangements.